Clementina (Tina) Cavallo died Thursday July 9 at Windemere at the age of 91.

Tina was born Jan. 20, 1918 in New York city to George and Enrichetta Benanchietti. She was married John Cavallo who predeceased her in 2002.  

Tina took pride in taking care of her family. As a young woman, she helped her mother raise money for their hometown in Italy which was devastated by war. They were able to supply food, clothing and medical supplies and raised enough money to purchase an ambulance, which was a crowning achievement for both women.

Tina came to the Vineyard in the 1940s with her father, George, who was a chef at the Edgartown Yacht Club. As her family grew, she returned every summer with her four sons, giving them a wholesome, safe and healthy life away from the hustle and bustle of the New York city. She was happiest taking care of her father, husband, sons, her sons’ friends, her niece and nephew and extended family.

In 1986 John and Tina retired to the Vineyard to be closer to their sons and family. She was active in the Catholic Church, volunteered at the senior center and worked weekly on the men’s breakfast. She also volunteered at the Edgartown Boys’ and Girls’ Club Second Hand Store, and was a member of the Edgartown Mothers Club.

Known lovingly as Mama Tina to her grandchildren, many young people in town also referred to her by that name. She loved it when people visited her at her home and always made sure there was a dish of candy. Everyone loved visiting her house over the holidays to see her Christmas villages and trees, which made the season festive for all.

Tina was also talented when it came to knitting and stitching. She made many sweater outfits for babies and she did beautiful needlepoint which she proudly displayed in her home. Very generous, she donated many of her projects to the community to raise money for school trips, summer camp and many other organizations.

She was lovingly referred to as “a tough old broad” when she required assistance with her daily activities. Her caregivers were always entertained by the funny stories she enjoyed sharing with others.

The family is grateful to everyone at Visiting Nurse Association, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Windemere, and the Edgartown Council on Aging for their kindness and attention they all gave to Tina, as well as close friends who provided support.

She is survived by her four sons, Johnny (Nini) and his wife, Bari, of Parker, Colo.; George (Gino) and his friend Sharon Swick of New York city; Robert (Coo) and his wife, Donna; and Ronald (Puppy) and his wife, Dee Dee, of Edgartown. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Lucas, Jonas and Amos, and Lisa and Karen, and four great-grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Jack and Luke, all of whom she adored.

She was interred on July 14 at the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown. Donations in Tina’s memory may be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.